Holistic Support for Cancer and Chemotherapy

First off, the approach to holistic medicine is quite different than that of allopathic medicine.  Treatment is not tailored to the specific type of cancer.  It is tailored specifically to the individual person.  That is, holistic medicine aims to treat the person and allopathic medicine aims to treat the disease of the person. 

The aim of chemotherapy is to kill the cancer.  The aim of holistic medicine (with concurrent chemotherapy) is to support the immune system and prevent healthy cells from being damaged by the chemo.  After chemo, the aim of holistic medicine is to support the body/mind to achieve healthy cells, maintain healthy cells, and prevent reoccurence of the cancer.

Every chemotherapeutic agent is different.  I would strongly recommend that people undergoing chemotherapy seek the advice of a naturopathic doctor who has knowledge in this area.  Some natural supplements and remedies while helpful in supporting a person with cancer achieve health (or even cure), these same medicines may be contraindicated during chemotherapy.  It is best to seek the advice of someone who knows.

In my experience, people who support their immune systems with natural therapies during chemo do much better than people who don't.  As an ND I often provide high doses of intravenous vitamin C infusions with herbs and other vitamins and minerals in order to help people who are undergoing chemotherapy maintain their strength.  Many of these natural therapies also faciliate the action of the chemotherapeutic agents.  Double bonus!

After chemo is finished, it is very helpful to seek the advice of a licensed holistic practitioner to determine optimal nutrition/diet, vitamin/mineral imbalances, heavy metal accumulation (one cause among many for cancer), etc.

In my practice, to support the individual after chemotherapy, I use lots of Chinese mushrooms (Cordyceps, Reishi, Maitake, Coriolus, etc.), Boswellia, Curcumin, EGCG, high doses of Vitamin C and D, other minerals and vitamins specifically tailored for that person, intravenous treatments, Mistletoe, and Grapeseed Extract, among many other types of treatments.  Detoxifying the body is also an important corner stone for someone with cancer who seeks to find wellness again. 

Naturopathic doctors can be found in Canada (CAND), the US (AANP), Australia and elsewhere.